Broncos DC Vance Joseph: Mahomes ‘wouldn’t play if he couldn’t be himself’

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has done battle with Patrick Mahomes many times over the years.

But Week 1 on Monday Night football will be a unique circumstance.

Both Mahomes and Broncos QB Bo Nix are returning from injuries. In Kansas City, Mahomes is coming off ACL and LCL tears, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has made it clear he’ll play against the Broncos.

On Thursday, Vance Joseph was asked about Mahomes in his first game back since the devastating knee injury and ensuing surgery.

“I think Patrick’s gonna be Patrick. In my opinion, he wouldn’t play if he couldn’t be himself. He’s had a good summer and spring, kind of rehab, and from what I hear and what I read, he’s feeling great,” Joseph said.

The Chiefs went 6-11 last year and missed the playoffs, a far cry from a team that’s won three Super Bowls in the past decade. Mahomes has to be eager to be back, but also smart.

It’s an interesting comment from Vance Joseph that Mahomes wouldn’t play unless he can be Superman on the field that fans are used to seeing.

“We expect Patrick to be Patrick. He is obviously the guy in the league who wins an awful lot. He’s obviously motivated and it’s a big game for them, it’s a big game for us obviously. It’s Week 1 so everyone’s healthy and excited so play. So, we’ll get his best shot,” Joseph said.

That best shot will help determine who takes the early lead in the AFC West. The Raiders and Chargers also have Week 1 contests, but the winner of Denver and Kansas City will be 1-0 and feeling great.

And it doesn’t sound like Vance Joseph is expecting anything less than vintage Mahomes. It’ll be up to Denver’s defense to make him look mortal.

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